Government Relations Team

Heather Dahlberg
Administrative Director, External Relations

Heather leads the government relations practice at Nationwide Children’s where she oversees the hospital’s government relations efforts at the federal, state and local level and oversees the cultivation of public grant funds. Email Heather.

Morna Smith, PhD
Director of Federal Relations and Health Policy

Morna works with Nationwide Children’s staff to achieve federal funding, policy, and regulations in support of patient care, research, education and children’s health and well-being. She is the point of contact for Congressional visits and all Federal policy initiatives. Email Morna.

Janet Wermuth
Senior Director of Program Grant Development

Janet works with Hospital and Research Institute staff and clinicians to identify and seek out public (federal, state and local) grant funds and foundation research grants to enhance the programs and services provided by Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Email Janet.

Dr. Eaton is a Professor of Pediatrics Emerita at The Ohio State University and a past president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She serves the department and institution through her role in resident advocacy education as well as through her work with local, state and national organizations to promote their advocacy mission. Email Dr. Eaton.

Jenelle Donovan Lyle
Senior Specialist

Jenelle is the primary contact for any state and local government relations or public affairs needs. She can be contacted in regards to general legislative inquiries, tours of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, advocacy education or hospital events. Email Jenelle.

Kelly Steece
Executive Assistant

Kelly Steece, Executive Assistant provides executive support to the Administrative Director of External Relations. Her main focus is day to day calendar and travel needs for the Administrative Director and daily operational and administrative activities for external relations. Email Kelly.

Sandra Porter
Administrative Assistant

Sandra Porter, Administrative Assistant Provides administrative support to the Director of Federal Relations and Health Policy as well as to Dr. Eaton. She can be contacted to in regards to their schedules as well as for daily operational and administrative activities for the government relations department. Email Sandra.